He tells us there's a charm upon the trees, And if a man shall injure them, the hand That struck the blow will grow from out the grave.

TELL.

There is a charm about them--that's the truth.

Dost see those glaciers yonder--those white horns-- That seem to melt away into the sky?

WALTER.

They are the peaks that thunder so at night, And send the avalanches down upon us.

TELL.

They are; and Altdorf long ago had been Submerged beneath these avalanches' weight, Did not the forest there above the town Stand like a bulwark to arrest their fall.

WALTER (_after musing a little_).

And are there countries with no mountains, father?

TELL.

Yes, if we travel downward from our heights, And keep descending where the rivers go, We reach, a wide and level country, where Our mountain torrents brawl and foam no more, And fair large rivers glide serenely on.

All quarters of the heaven may there be scann'd Without impediment. The corn grows there In broad and lovely fields, and all the land Is like a garden fair to look upon.

WALTER.

But, father, tell me, wherefore haste we not Away to this delightful land, instead Of toiling here and struggling as we do?

TELL.

The land is fair and bountiful as Heaven; But they who till it never may enjoy The fruits of what they sow.

WALTER.

Live they not free, As you do, on the land their fathers left them?

TELL.

The fields are all the bishop's or the king's.

WALTER.

But they may freely hunt among the woods?

TELL.

The game is all the monarch's--bird and beast.

WALTER.

But they, at least, may surely fish the streams?

TELL.

Stream, lake, and sea, all to the king belong.

WALTER.

Who is this king, of whom they're so afraid?

TELL.

He is the man who fosters and protects them.

WALTER.

Have they not courage to protect themselves?

TELL.

The neighbor there dare not his neighbor trust.

WALTER.

I should want breathing room in such a land.

I'd rather dwell beneath the avalanches.

TELL.

'Tis better, child, to have these glacier peaks Behind one's back than evil-minded men!

[_They are about to pa.s.s on_.]

WALTER.

See, father, see the cap on yonder pole!

TELL.

What is the cap to us? Come, let's begone.

[_As he is going_, FRIESSHARDT, _presenting his pike, stops him_.]

FRIESS.

Stand, I command you, in the Emperor's name!

TELL (_seizing the pike_).

What would ye? Wherefore do ye stop me thus?